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cyberham

Last reply May 6, 2012 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

GeosatPro Dual Standard LNB (SL2)

I am creating this thread since two SL2 LNBs are at this moment travelling across America to me via USPS. I intend to install one SL2 on the same 1-metre dish alongside my current Digiwave DGL-990D standard LNB for direct comparison. I will configure the SL2 to be accessed via a separate port on the 4x1 switch, plus I will have the motor automatically peak the dish orientation to give maximum signal to each LNB when I use the remote control to quickly switch between LNBs for received signal comparison. I use this method to switch between linear and circular LNBs now and it works well. I'll report results obtained.

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cyberham

Apr 30, 2012

Reminds me of the good old days when Ham Radio Outlet in CA would ship free to Bellingham, WA using Hold for Pickup on package. I'd take a short drive down from Vancouver, pick up package and be home a couple of hours later. Bellingham UPS even telephoned to me in Vancouver long distance at their cost to tell me when package had arrived. The 662 mile return trip to the Maine border doesn't make that a good idea anymore.

cyberham

May 2, 2012

I received the package 21 days after order was placed, and 15 days after package was shipped from California. There was no HST (i.e. federal tax) or anything else owing on receipt. Not sure why that is. I just signed and walked the package out of the post office without having to pay anything.

I tried to mount one of the SL2 LNBs beside my existing Digiwave linear LNB, but I was not able to receive any signal from the SL2 no matter what I did. It seems linear LNBs may be fussier about exactly where they are mounted on the dish as compared with circular LNBs. I didn't play for too long since I wanted to see how the SL2 would perform.

So I can only rate the SL2 subjectively without being able to do an immediate comparison with my current LNB. Anyway, I am quite familiar with the performance of my current LNB over many months of using it. First impression of the SL2 is definitely good. I am seeing modestly higher quality numbers than I've ever seen before in many cases. For most sats from which you are already getting 65%, for example, getting 70+% isn't too important. But when trying to receive DVB-S2, you seem to need everything on your side. My real test were the LPB channels on 87W. Tonight I still don't have such a high quality number even using the SL2, but anyway visually all 3 channels of LPB are perfectly clear. I also notice that the Huntington Beach cam signals on 103W are as strong as I've seen them for some time. Also the Pentagon channel on 101W is again as strong as I've seen for some time.

I also notice that on 97W, all transponders are strong (70+%) instead of some being strong and others not so. In general, received signals on all sats seem more stable, i.e. the signal doesn't have such a wide variation in quality.

Perhaps conditions are good tonight. More likely the SL2 is performing better than my old Digiwave did. The SL2 is a keeper and its size surprised me by being so small. I also like the supplied dual rubber boot to protect the two connectors on the LNB. This is one positive step forward. I need to continue to reduce losses between my dish and receiver. Next step will be to try to remove 50 feet of RG-6 from the 200-foot run.

turbosat

May 5, 2012

Soundslike it was worth the wait, then. Informative thread-I'll be sure to listen to anyone I might have to send to in Canada , about methods, taxes,etc.

polgyver

May 6, 2012

Cyberham,
It is really interesting that you were "not able to receive any signal from the SL2" which was mounted beside your existing, ("main") Digiwave. If you added SL2 on the "East" side of Digiwave, and - assuming - Digiwave was receiving 97 W, you should be able to catch signal from SL2 on which signal from 101 W was focusing - providing, the SL2 was also about 5/8" higher than Digiwave. But your goal was, I believe, to compare these two LNBs on the same source. However, one LNB, sitting in privileged pure focus, would have advantage over other LNB, sitting in a "focus" with a little coma. Therefore, swapping the LNBs in the same "seat" would be the best test, what you did. I realize that swapping LNBs on a 8-foot tower is not much fun, anyway. Cheers, polgyver

cyberham

May 6, 2012

@ turbosat: I could have bought these LNB from a Toronto store and received them probably 18 days faster. But then that store wouldn't have given me the great deal that SatelliteAV did! It was worth the wait since the performance of the LNB is better compared with what I was using. I think, however, when I order the microHD, I'll do via a Canadian store, just in case I ever need to return it for service.

@ polgyver: I added the SL2 on the west side of the existing LNB, as close to the existing LNB as physically possible and with mouth of SL2 at same height (that may have been an error) and distance. I created a separate satellite configuration so when I selected this "Geo satellite configuration" the SL2 would be used. I could then independently move the motor so I could zero in on the desired satellite signal being received by the SL2 without affecting the signal being received by the existing LNB when I selected it. This arrangement works for the circular LNB which I have mounted to the east side of my existing linear LNB. I think I could have got this all working if I had played around more, especially if watching the signal on a display simultaneously while at the dish moving the LNB around. But I was kind of keen to just get the system working. Sunny days are still few so I need to use outdoor time efficiently. Working on the dish on the short mini-tower is convenient while I stand on a ladder: no problem.

Regardless, it is obvious after a few days of use that the SL2 is working better than my previous LNB. It is still obvious that night time signals are strongest, whether this is due to lower air temperature or whatever. People who normally receive 90% quality likely wouldn't notice this.

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Anony55

Last reply Today at 4:19 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Has Made it Impossible to be a VIP211k Owner

For quite a while now, people with a VIP211k have been losing their recordings on their activated external HDDs... even when there's nothing physically wrong with HDD. I believe this is an intentional and underhanded tactic that Dish is pulling in an attempt to force users away from the VIP211k.

They are obviously regretting that they ever let users have a "non-dvr" dvr in the first place. You would think they would be happy charging you a $40 one time fee... and then be happy letting the customer be the one responsible for HDD failures.

Dish clearly hates the 211k bitter-clingers. This recording deletion problem is intentional (IMO), and I think it is just one more tool that they are using. Hopper and a 2-year agreement... that's what they want you to have. Think about that... a 2-year agreement... with a company $30 Billion in debt (that's with a B). What happens when all that debt causes them to drop the channel that may have been your whole reason for having Dish in the first place? Guess who's stuck with a service that no longer suits their needs... for the remainder of the 2-year agreement.

On top of that, they don't want you to install it yourself. I purchased and installed all my equipment myself. That used to be common. Now, they lie to me and tell me that my dish must be updated to use a Hopper. Funny thing is... they don't even know what dish I have because they didn't install it, and I didn't tell them. If you ask what type of dish/LNBs the hopper needs... good luck getting an answer. All they know is that whatever you have needs to be upgraded by an installer.

It is quite apparent to me that they care much more about staying in their box, than they do working with the customer. That's too bad, because it hasn't always been that way. It's like they are totally unaware of the current business environment that they are trying to compete in.

I have been a customer since 2010. I will be cancelling my service before the next period. Yeah, I know, my $1,200 a year won't make a difference to them. It just seems like they have forgotten who needs who, especially when you consider the competition in today's streaming world. But hey, they will have succeed in forcing me off the 211k.

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Nebugeater

Dec 22, 2025

Got a 211k that works fine, and I no longer need it if someone wants to throw me a few bucks and pay shipping. Not tied to my account as of last week. Used with a tailgater and got a wally

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tparker

Sep 30, 2026

Nebugeater said:
Got a 211k that works fine, and I no longer need it if someone wants to throw me a few bucks and pay shipping. Not tied to my account as of last week. Used with a tailgater and got a wally

Is the 211k still available? If so, I'm interested.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Nebugeater

Oct 2, 2026

tparker said:
Is the 211k still available? If so, I'm interested.

Actually, it is. A couple of people PMed me when I posted this, and when I asked for an address, they never responded. Then I just sort of let it go. Send me a PM to continue the discussion

Reactions: Foxbat and charlesrshell

Anony55

Yesterday at 6:18 PM

Well, after nine months of being on pause, I finally figured out that I was wasting $5 a month. So I cancelled. For the first time since 2010, I no longer have a Dish account.

I do have to say that I did appreciate the account pause option. That just gives a person some time to see what the fallout of cancelling will be... without having to go all the way over the cliff first.

Since I never once had an "oh shoot, I need Dish Network for..." moment, the decision was a lot easier.

Funny enough, when I called to cancel (for real, not playing the pricing game), all of a sudden, they were offering me deals that I was told before that I couldn't get without changing out my VIP211k. Now, I could have had those specials with them just sending me a new card for the receiver. LOL!

Of course, my mind was already made up because of having not missed the service while on pause. That, and the fact that I bet the 211k still kills recordings.

All in all, I'm glad that I had Dish for all those years. I just outgrew the need, and they pressed the issue by deleting recordings. I would have eventually went this route without the deleted recordings issue. But, for sure, that did hasten the outcome.

I'll still pop in at this site from time to time. Believe it or not, I still have a C/Ku BUD that I intend on playing with again if life ever slows down.

Reactions: slow_poke_pete, zippyfrog, Foxbat and 1 other person

dishstaller

Today at 11:31 AM

Nebugeater said:
Actually, it is. A couple of people PMed me when I posted this, and when I asked for an address, they never responded. Then I just sort of let it go. Send me a PM to continue the discussion

Unless things have changed at Dish, which is entirely possible, they won't activate the 211, even as a replacement. I gave one to a customer a while back....which when I turned it off I made sure to tell the CSR I wanted it freed up so another customer could use it, I was assured it was.....and when they called to swap out there's they were told it couldn't be done. Now like I said, things MIGHT HAVE CHANGED.

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Anony55

Today at 4:19 PM

dishstaller said:
Unless things have changed at Dish, which is entirely possible, they won't activate the 211, even as a replacement. I gave one to a customer a while back....which when I turned it off I made sure to tell the CSR I wanted it freed up so another customer could use it, I was assured it was.....and when they called to swap out there's they were told it couldn't be done. Now like I said, things MIGHT HAVE CHANGED.

It hasn't changed. When I cancelled my service the other day, they told me I didn't need to return the receiver (which I already knew because I purchased it).

But in addition to that, the young man told me not to sell it, but to take it to a recycling place. The reason he gave for the advice was because 211Ks can no longer be activated.

So as far as the VIP211k goes... once grandpa dies, he's dead.

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Therm

Last reply Today at 4:01 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?

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dishstaller

Today at 12:56 PM

I really dislike change for the sake of change

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dishdude

Today at 2:51 PM

I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.

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Therm

Today at 3:39 PM

dishdude said:
I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.

Yes a lot cleaner, glossier, and less functional. Someone trying to justify why they are making a big salary. "See look shiny"

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navychop

Today at 3:53 PM

"Big salary." Charlie. "?Big?"

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Tampa8

Today at 4:01 PM

Seems in some ways better. Nicer layout, as others said maybe cleaner. Moving ahead in the guide is better.

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Foxbat

Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 3:48 PM · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple has finally released their Apple TV 4K with built-in Siri and a microphone so it can respond to your queries even if you don't have the remote. It also increases in price, to $299. I had been planning on updating my current Apple TV 4K streamers, but that's $600 for the two of them, and that's a pass at this point.

At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K. New Siri AI and hands-free control. Stunning picture and immersive HomePod surround sound. Works with your Apple and smart home devices.

www.apple.com

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Ronnie-

Tuesday at 9:19 PM

Meh. The 4Ks I have will do everything that these do that I need them to do.

Which that's most tech these days for anything released the last four to five years.

It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.

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navychop

Tuesday at 9:31 PM

Ronnie- said:
It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.

Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.

navychop

Yesterday at 12:55 PM

Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?

KAB

Yesterday at 7:46 PM

navychop said:
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?

Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 12:08 AM

navychop said:
Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.

they all do that anyways.. ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade.. :what

. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while

ncted

Today at 9:00 AM

KAB said:
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!

Yeah, they boot up a bit slower than Roku, but the OS does a lot more, so it makes sense. How often are you booting them up that is a differentiator? Aside from OS updates, mine are on all the time. I will say the ATV4K is generally quicker than the Roku Ultras I have, when it comes to launching apps and responsiveness, not that the Roku is sluggish.

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navychop

Today at 2:31 PM

slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while

What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones

ncted

Today at 3:45 PM

slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while

I assume you mean services, like iCloud and Apple Music, and not actual software sales. Services have been growing quickly for Apple, but hardware still brings home the bacon. As for where Apple's revenue comes from, the iPhone is still king with 49.58% of revenue as of June 2026. Services comes in second with 28%. iPad, Mac, and Wearables/Home makes up the rest. So, that is 72% coming from hardware. Their profit margin is around 25%, FWIW.

I am skeptical the AppleTV 4k makes them much money on the hardware though, which I suspect is what you were getting at.

ncted

Today at 3:46 PM

navychop said:
What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones

You should have looked in the APP STORE instead.

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navychop

Today at 3:48 PM

Will do!

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cpdretired

Supporting Founder

Last reply Today at 3:29 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Dish Offers

Several Dish offers showed up today in my account. Once you choose one the rest are removed. Offers were Showtime, Starz, AMC and others.

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bnewt

Sep 23, 2026

Just checked my account and it shows mgm+ at 8.00 per month, but that has red line drawn thru it and shows 0.00 per month. But it doesn't say how long this lasts,...... 1 month, 3 months, forever. I called customer service to get an answer, and they said nothing like that exists. Should I add the offer or not? Already paying them too much, but want to take advantage of something free.

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slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 11:45 PM

bnewt said:
Just checked my account and it shows mgm+ at 8.00 per month, but that has red line drawn thru it and shows 0.00 per month. But it doesn't say how long this lasts,...... 1 month, 3 months, forever. I called customer service to get an answer, and they said nothing like that exists. Should I add the offer or not? Already paying them too much, but want to take advantage of something free.

look again mine says free for 1 month

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Almighty1

Today at 2:13 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
look again mine says free for 1 month

Not for me, mines has no mention of how long aka the offer period and the Terms and conditions the $0.00 is good for. All I see is one can lose $5.00 if you decide to remove it before day 31 after you add it to the account.

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 6:02 AM

Almighty1 said:
Not for me, mines has no mention of how long aka the offer period and the Terms and conditions the $0.00 is good for. All I see is one can lose $5.00 if you decide to remove it before day 31 after you add it to the account.

View attachment 194817

wonder why it says that

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Almighty1

Today at 3:07 PM

slow_poke_pete said:
look again mine says free for 1 month

You have a different offer that is free for a shorter timeframe which is different than the one that I and bnewt saw without defining the promotion period as I sent the question to DISH Care via Facebook Messenger and this is the response I got back 20 minutes ago.

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Almighty1

Today at 3:29 PM

slow_poke_pete said:
wonder why it says that

Answer 2 minutes ago from DISH Care via Facebook Messenger:

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 2:23 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

This Week in Space 232

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Edq2eavsQ

Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 232
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 13 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:52 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oRVxjGm0qtE

Direct YouTube Link - Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 10 views

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TFLEV

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in TFLEV

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyF_RH1m0mc

Direct YouTube Link - Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

0 Replies · 16 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

The Apple HomeView

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0k5iT-OlpdE

Direct YouTube Link - The Apple HomeView
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 9 views

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:59 PM · posted in TV Shows

Frisco King - Paramount Plus

View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy

December 18, 2026 Paramount plus

2 Replies · 65 views

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Howard Simmons

Today at 11:36 AM

osu1991 said:
View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy

December 18, 2026 Paramount plus

Another Tulsa King spin off.

dishstaller

Today at 12:59 PM

Howard Simmons said:
Another Tulsa King spin off.

But.....if you like Tulsa King....looks like you would probably like this as well. I don't mind spin-offs as long as they don't involve a sassy niece who moves from the big city

TheRatPatrol

Last reply Today at 12:50 PM · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?

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Jimbo

Monday at 11:41 PM

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

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Jimbo

Tuesday at 6:25 PM

Jimbo said:
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Reactions: Howard Simmons

Howard Simmons

Yesterday at 1:19 PM

Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Tony as the director.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 2:13 PM

Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.

Would you rather have LaRoche ???

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dfergie

Yesterday at 4:37 PM

I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...

Reactions: Jimbo

Howard Simmons

Today at 11:30 AM

Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???

No. Bring in someone new.

Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

Jimbo

Today at 12:50 PM

Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new. Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.

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GeosatPro Dual Standard LNB (SL2)

DISH Has Made it Impossible to be a VIP211k Owner

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple TV 4K

Dish Offers

This Week in Space 232

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

The Apple HomeView

Frisco King - Paramount Plus

NCIS